Question map
Consider the following fauna : 1. Lion-tailed Macaque 2. Malabar Civet 3. Sambar Deer How many of the above are generally nocturnal or most active after sunset?
Explanation
The correct answer is Option 1 (Only one). Among the given fauna, only the Malabar Civet is strictly nocturnal.
- Malabar Civet: It is a critically endangered mammal endemic to the Western Ghats. It is strictly nocturnal and secretive in nature, being most active after sunset.
- Lion-tailed Macaque: Unlike most primates, this endemic species is diurnal, meaning it is active exclusively during daylight hours for foraging and social interaction.
- Sambar Deer: While the Sambar can exhibit crepuscular behavior (active at dawn and dusk) to avoid predators or human disturbance, it is biologically classified as diurnal or cathemeral. It is not categorized as a "nocturnal" animal in the same sense as the Civet.
Therefore, since only the Malabar Civet fits the specific criteria of being generally nocturnal, Option 1 is the most accurate choice for this UPSC-style classification.
PROVENANCE & STUDY PATTERN
Full viewThis question marks a shift from 'Where is it found?' (Location/IUCN) to 'How does it live?' (Behavior). While the Malabar Civet is a direct textbook hit (Shankar IAS), the Lion-tailed Macaque requires applying basic primate logic (monkeys are visual, hence diurnal), and the Sambar Deer tests observational common sense about prey animals.
This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.
- Directly states the activity pattern of the species.
- Specifies that the lion-tailed macaque is active during the day (diurnal), which contradicts being nocturnal or primarily active after sunset.
- Explicitly identifies the lion-tailed macaque as diurnal.
- Clarifies that it is most active during daytime rather than after sunset.
Gives a clear definition/example of a nocturnal mammal (bats) and describes behavioural markers used to label species as nocturnal (feed at night, sleep by day).
A student could use this rule (night-feeding / day-sleeping = nocturnal) to check field accounts of lion-tailed macaque activity patterns and decide if they fit this nocturnal pattern.
Identifies another Western Ghats mammal (Malabar civet) explicitly described as nocturnal, showing that nocturnality is a noted trait for some species in the same biogeographic region.
A student could map species of the Western Ghats (including lion-tailed macaque) and compare documented activity times for regional mammals to see if nocturnality is common or exceptional.
Lists the lion-tailed macaque among 'unique animals of India' (a primate), which links it taxonomically to other primates discussed elsewhere in the snippets.
A student could use basic outside knowledge about typical primate activity patterns (many primates are diurnal) and then look for specific behavioural notes on lion-tailed macaque to test whether it matches the common primate pattern or is an exception.
Shows the lion-tailed macaque is a Schedule I protected species (highlighting its prominence), implying it is well-studied and that behavioural descriptors (e.g., diurnal/nocturnal) are likely recorded in authoritative sources.
A student could therefore consult protected-species accounts or conservation reports (using the schedule listing as a cue) to find direct behavioural data on activity periods.
- Directly characterises the Malabar Civet as nocturnal in nature.
- Links the species' behaviour to night-time activity within its range (Western Ghats).
Gives an explicit example that some Indian mammals (Malabar civet) are described as 'nocturnal', establishing that nocturnality is a documented activity pattern for Indian mammals.
A student could note that nocturnality occurs among Indian mammals and then check whether the sambar's taxonomy, habitat, or similar-sized ungulates share that pattern using field guides or camera-trap records.
States a general rule: animals in hot/desert environments are often 'nocturnal in habit to avoid the sun's heat', showing a climatic/behavioral driver for nocturnality.
A student could compare the sambar's typical habitats and climate (forest/wetter regions vs open/hot areas) on a map to judge whether the same heat-avoidance motive would favor nocturnal activity for sambar.
Notes that tropical evergreen rainforest biomes have animal activity both day and night—some species diurnal, some nocturnal—indicating habitat influences activity patterns.
A student could locate sambar's common habitats (many national parks listed below) and, knowing rainforest/forest environments support both patterns, infer that sambar activity might be context-dependent and worth checking with local habitat data.
Lists sambar among dominant species in several protected areas, indicating sambar commonly occupies varied Indian park habitats.
Using park locations on a map and their known climates and disturbance levels, a student could predict whether local conditions (dense forest, human disturbance, predators) might push sambar toward nocturnal or crepuscular activity and then seek targeted sources.
Also lists sambar across multiple national parks/reserves, reinforcing that sambar occurs in diverse protected habitats across regions.
A student could combine the geographic spread of these parks with basic climate and human activity information to hypothesize where sambar would be more nocturnal (hot/disturbed areas) versus more diurnal/crepuscular.
- [THE VERDICT]: Moderate/Logical Trap. Malabar Civet is a direct hit from Shankar IAS (Ch 12). Lion-tailed Macaque is a flagship species whose diurnal nature is a basic biological trait. Sambar is the 'field knowledge' variable.
- [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: Indian Biodiversity > Western Ghats Endemics & Animal Adaptations.
- [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Map activity patterns of other confused species: Slender Loris (Nocturnal Primate), Nilgiri Tahr (Diurnal), Indian Pangolin (Nocturnal), Flying Squirrel (Nocturnal), Hoolock Gibbon (Diurnal).
- [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: Stop memorizing just IUCN status. Apply the 'Taxonomic Heuristic': Primates (Monkeys/Apes) are generally Diurnal (visual foragers). Small Carnivores (Civets/Cats) are generally Nocturnal (stealth hunters). Ungulates (Deer) are often Crepuscular/Nocturnal to avoid heat and humans.
Lion-tailed macaque is included in Schedule I, so its conservation and legal status are directly relevant when studying species-specific questions.
High-yield for UPSC: questions often ask which species are in Schedule I and the implications for protection, penalties and conservation priority. Links to biodiversity policy, species protection measures and legal frameworks; helps answer distribution, conservation status and policy-related questions.
- Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 11: Schedule Animals of WPA 1972 > Schedule 1 and part II of Schedule 2 > p. 171
- Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 5: Biodiversity and Legislations > the wildlife act, 1972 > p. 13
Determining whether a species is nocturnal or diurnal is exactly the behavioral classification underlying the posed statement about activity after sunset.
Important for ecology and behaviour questions: understanding nocturnal adaptations, examples (bats, civet, desert animals) and ecological implications aids answering questions on animal behaviour, niche partitioning and habitat adaptations. Useful for matching species to behavioural traits in MCQs and short-answer questions.
- Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 9: Indian Biodiversity Diverse Landscape > 0c yoq know? :::..:: .:,:: > p. 158
- Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 12: Animal Diversity of India > 12.r.6. The Malabar Civet (Viverra civettina) > p. 188
- Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 3: Terrestrial Ecosystems > ii) The alamals are physiologically and behaviorally adapted to desert conditions. > p. 28
Several unique Indian mammals (e.g., Malabar civet, lion-tailed macaque listed among unique animals) are tied to Western Ghats endemism, which frames species-level ecology and behaviour studies.
High-yield for biodiversity and conservation topics: knowing Western Ghats endemics helps with hotspot-related questions, species distribution, and conservation prioritization. Enables tackling questions linking habitat, endemism and protection measures.
- Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 12: Major Crops and Cropping Patterns in India > Unique Animals of India > p. 82
- Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 12: Animal Diversity of India > 12.r.6. The Malabar Civet (Viverra civettina) > p. 188
Understanding whether a species is nocturnal clarifies when it is primarily active and how it interacts with its ecosystem.
High-yield for ecology and biodiversity questions: helps answer habitat, behaviour and conservation strategy items; connects to predator-prey dynamics and human-wildlife conflict timing. Useful across questions about animal behaviour and field survey methods.
- Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 12: Animal Diversity of India > 12.r.6. The Malabar Civet (Viverra civettina) > p. 188
- Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 3: Terrestrial Ecosystems > ii) The alamals are physiologically and behaviorally adapted to desert conditions. > p. 28
The Malabar Civet is described as endemic and located in the Western Ghats, linking species behaviour to a specific biodiversity region.
Important for topics on biodiversity hotspots, conservation priorities and regional ecology; helps frame questions on habitat protection, endemic species vulnerability and policy measures.
- Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 12: Animal Diversity of India > 12.r.6. The Malabar Civet (Viverra civettina) > p. 188
- Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 2: Physiography > ii) The West Coastal Plain > p. 65
The species is noted as one of the world's rarest mammals, which informs conservation urgency and survey timing (nocturnal surveys).
Relevant for UPSC mains and prelims on wildlife conservation, protected areas and species recovery plans; links field survey design (timing/methods) with conservation assessment.
- Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 12: Animal Diversity of India > 12.r.6. The Malabar Civet (Viverra civettina) > p. 188
Nocturnality is an animal behavioural category describing species that are primarily active at night; recognizing this distinction is essential when judging whether a given mammal is night-active.
High-yield for ecology and conservation questions: it links animal behaviour to survey methods, timing of field studies, and human–wildlife interactions. Mastering this helps answer questions about activity patterns, adaptations, and management measures for species.
- Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 12: Animal Diversity of India > 12.r.6. The Malabar Civet (Viverra civettina) > p. 188
- Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 3: Terrestrial Ecosystems > ii) The alamals are physiologically and behaviorally adapted to desert conditions. > p. 28
The Slender Loris. It is the 'Logical Sibling' to the Lion-tailed Macaque in the Western Ghats/South India context. Unlike the Macaque, the Loris is a primate that is strictly NOCTURNAL. Expect a comparison question soon.
Use the 'Monkey vs. Cat' Logic. Macaques are monkeys; monkeys love fruit and socializing, which requires light (Diurnal). Civets are small carnivores related to cats; they hunt by stealth (Nocturnal). If you know LTM is Diurnal, you eliminate 'All three'. If you know Civet is Nocturnal, you eliminate 'None'. You are instantly at a 50/50 probability.
Mains GS-3 (Environment): 'Anthropogenic Nocturnality'. Many diurnal or crepuscular animals (like Elephants and Tigers) are shifting their activity to night-time to avoid human disturbance. This behavioral adaptation is a key point for Human-Wildlife Conflict answers.